Sleep

Sleep is more than just rest. While nobody is sure exactly how sleep restores the body, we do know that getting restful shut-eye is essential for both mental and physical health.  Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but according to the National Sleep Foundation, college students typically need about 7-8 hours of sleep to feel rested and alert the next day.

Why is sleep important?

When you sleep, your brain consolidates and protects the memories that you formed during the day.  This means that you are more likely to remember material if you get a few hours of sleep than if you pull an all-nighter. Sleep also regulates other important functions of the body, including hunger, hormone production, and your immune system. Good sleep habits can result in:

• Improved mood
• Increased ability to concentrate
• Better retention of new information
• Quicker thinking
• Improved immune system response
• Enhanced motor skills

Despite these benefits, sleep remains a struggle for many college students. Get help for your sleep difficulties [2] by learning more about good sleep habits.